Please clarify PA carry in a vehicle

The #1 community for Gun Owners of the Northeast

Member Benefits:

  • No ad networks!
  • Discuss all aspects of firearm ownership
  • Discuss anti-gun legislation
  • Buy, sell, and trade in the classified section
  • Chat with Local gun shops, ranges, trainers & other businesses
  • Discover free outdoor shooting areas
  • View up to date on firearm-related events
  • Share photos & video with other members
  • ...and so much more!
  • John from MD

    American Patriot
    MDS Supporter
    May 12, 2005
    22,733
    Socialist State of Maryland
    I have researched this but have become confused. Does the following passage mean that I can carry openly in my vehicle if I have a CCW from another state? ( I don't live in PA)

    11) Any person while carrying a firearm in any vehicle, which
    person possesses a valid and lawfully issued license for that
    firearm which has been issued under the laws of the United
    States or any other state.

    Thanks,
     

    Sundazes

    My brain hurts
    MDS Supporter
    Nov 13, 2006
    21,296
    Arkham
    A CCW license from any state allows one to have a loaded firearm in their vehicle while in PA: glovebox, center console, seat next to you, in a holster on your hip, etc.
    Think of it this way... PA recognizes all state's licenses for vehicular carry.

    Does that include NR's?
     

    Meho1277

    Member
    Oct 18, 2018
    31
    Out Of State Permit Issue:
    Yes, Individuals who are 21 years of age or older and are NOT Pennsylvania residents may apply for a license by submitting a completed Application for a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms to any Pennsylvania County Sheriff’s office along with the required fee. A Pennsylvania license cannot be issued to a resident of another state who does not possess a current license or permit or similar document to carry a firearm issued by their home state if a license is provided for by the laws of that state, as published annually in the Federal Register by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms of the Department of the Treasury.

    Requirements:
    1. 21 Years Of Age
    2. Completed Application for a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms

    Informing Law Enforcement of Carry:

    Automobile carry:
    A License to Carry Firearms is issued to carry a firearm concealed on one’s person or in a vehicle within this Commonwealth.

    A handgun being transported in a vehicle without a license to carry must be unloaded and must be carried under one of the exceptions listed above under ‘Carry.’ Rifles and shotguns may be transported in a vehicle as long as they are unloaded.

    While transporting a firearm without a license, it is up to the person carrying the firearm to demonstrate that one of the exceptions applies. A law enforcement officer may demand such evidence.

    Places off-limits when carrying:
    Prohibited area include k-12 Schools, Court Houses,

    Open Carry:
    In Pennsylvania, persons 18 years of age and older whom are not prohibited by law from owning firearms may openly carry a handgun in plain sight with no license except in vehicles, cities of the first class (Philadelphia) and where prohibited specifically by statute.

    Correct me if i am wrong, i know you will, if you are a resident of Md, but have a, say for instance, a Va ccw, that would not be recognized because it was not issued by your home state, you have to have a ccw issued by the state you live in, but, you could carry openly. Outside of your vehicle, just not in philly.
     
    Last edited:
    Out Of State Permit Issue:
    Yes, Individuals who are 21 years of age or older and are NOT Pennsylvania residents may apply for a license by submitting a completed Application for a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms to any Pennsylvania County Sheriff’s office along with the required fee. A Pennsylvania license cannot be issued to a resident of another state who does not possess a current license or permit or similar document to carry a firearm issued by their home state if a license is provided for by the laws of that state, as published annually in the Federal Register by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms of the Department of the Treasury.

    Requirements:
    1. 21 Years Of Age
    2. Completed Application for a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms

    Informing Law Enforcement of Carry:

    Automobile carry:
    A License to Carry Firearms is issued to carry a firearm concealed on one’s person or in a vehicle within this Commonwealth.

    A handgun being transported in a vehicle without a license to carry must be unloaded and must be carried under one of the exceptions listed above under ‘Carry.’ Rifles and shotguns may be transported in a vehicle as long as they are unloaded.

    While transporting a firearm without a license, it is up to the person carrying the firearm to demonstrate that one of the exceptions applies. A law enforcement officer may demand such evidence.

    Places off-limits when carrying:
    Prohibited area include k-12 Schools, Court Houses,

    Open Carry:
    In Pennsylvania, persons 18 years of age and older whom are not prohibited by law from owning firearms may openly carry a handgun in plain sight with no license except in vehicles, cities of the first class (Philadelphia) and where prohibited specifically by statute.

    Correct me if i am wrong, i know you will, if you are a resident of Md, but have a, say for instance, a Va ccw, that would not be recognized because it was not issued by your home state, you have to have a ccw issued by the state you live in, but, you could carry openly. Outside of your vehicle, just not in philly.

    PA no longer recognizes any non-resident licenses for concealed carry. The statute quoted up thread explains the exemption to vehicle carry. Any state's issued CCW license (res or non-res) recognized by PA for vehicular carry.
    I am a MD resident with a NH non resident license. I cannot CCW in PA, except in a vehicle.
     

    ken792

    Ultimate Member
    Sep 2, 2011
    4,480
    Fairfax, VA
    Correct me if i am wrong, i know you will, if you are a resident of Md, but have a, say for instance, a Va ccw, that would not be recognized because it was not issued by your home state, you have to have a ccw issued by the state you live in, but, you could carry openly. Outside of your vehicle, just not in philly.

    Seems to be the case. PA is still permitless open carry as far as state law goes.

    PA actually dropped all VA permits, resident and nonresident earlier this year. I went to get my PA nonresident permit last week in Adams county. It took seven minutes from when I placed my paperwork on the desk to when I got my permit or 18 minutes from when I left my truck to when I got back.
     

    Gizmo98

    Free At Last!!
    Nov 4, 2015
    683
    Central PA
    But this could be coming soon, headline:

    Bill Named For Teen Killed In Road Rage Incident Would Ban Loaded Guns In Cars

    https://www.google.com/amp/s/pittsb...10/03/road-rage-loaded-guns-in-cars-bill/amp/

    https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdoc...&body=H&type=B&bn=2669&mobile_choice=suppress

    God, I hope this goes nowhere. What do they want permit holders to do, get in the car, unholster, unload, and then reholster? Then reload before you get out? How many people are going to shoot themselves trying that maneuver 10 times a day? I carry AIWB, and this increases the chances of shooting my pecker off exponentially. Sometimes people are unbelievably stupid.
     

    Meho1277

    Member
    Oct 18, 2018
    31
    PA no longer recognizes any non-resident licenses for concealed carry. The statute quoted up thread explains the exemption to vehicle carry. Any state's issued CCW license (res or non-res) recognized by PA for vehicular carry.
    I am a MD resident with a NH non resident license. I cannot CCW in PA, except in a vehicle.

    Yes this is true, but, if you have a ccw from your home state you can apply for one in pa.
     

    Biggfoot44

    Ultimate Member
    Aug 2, 2009
    32,881
    Penna can be confusing .

    As noted above , carry in vehicles is under a different statute than the general CCW statute .

    And the "unrestricted" Open Carry for Residents ( and non-Res w/o Any Permit ) has a major catch-22 . It's effectively limited to within walking distance . For those w/o either catagory of Permit , Pa's Transporting of handguns ( in vehicles ) is even more restrictive than Maryland . ( Insert spitballing for a few offbeat scenarios regarding OC , but for the most part it's limited to walking distance from home, or approved location . Also , there is a still further " Sportsman Permit " , which does a few benefits relating to hunting & fishing , and going to/ from such . )
     

    ShafTed

    Ultimate Member
    Mar 21, 2013
    2,214
    Juuuuust over the line
    Another thing about PA laws, unlicensed open carry is prohibited during a "State of Emergency" and the current Demonrat guv has declared same for the Opioid Crisis and seems to be renewing the declaration into perpetuity. Debate rages on whether this affects unlicensed OC, so be careful.
     

    Users who are viewing this thread

    Forum statistics

    Threads
    274,922
    Messages
    7,259,125
    Members
    33,349
    Latest member
    christian04

    Latest threads

    Top Bottom